The Benefits Of Spirulina

Sppirulina requires several important input to grow. It must grow in a pollutant free and tropical weather environment, with strong sunshine and a pure water source.

The reason why spirulina is seldom heard of in western countries is partly because it cannot grow there. Production are mostly done in tropical countries like Thailand. Temperature have to be consistently above 25 degrees celcius for Spirulina to grow.

Spirulina is a plant. It absorbs sunlight and convert carbon dioxide to oxygen. It therefore need strong sunlight to grow. It also absorbs different kinds of nutrients from the water. Therefore it must grow in a pollutant free and alkaline environment. Since Spirulina is highly concentrated, a polluted water will render the plant not suitable for consumption.

I don't even know where to begin! I personally got rid of my acne just 3 weeks after consuming it. There are thousands upon thousands of testimonial. So here are some of its benefits and why.

1. Spirulina contains GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) that can be found in a mother's milk. Other than a mother's milk, GLA can ony be found exclusively in spirulina. The reason why we need spirulina for GLA is because we simply do not consume nutrients needed to produce GLA by ourselves. GLA is an important ingredient in a mother's milk that protects the baby from getting sick.

2. Spirulina is the best source of vitamin B-12. Period. B-12 is essential for healthy nerves.

3. Spirulina is known for its natural detoxifying and cleansing properties, due to its phytonutrients unique to itself.

4. You lack beta carotene,I lack beta carotene. Most just don't get enough beta carotene from their vegetables. Spirulina contains 10 times more beta-carotene than carrots. Do you want to eat 10 carrots or 1 spirulina?

5. Spirulina is easy to digest, contains highest amount of protein with all essential amino acids and little fats or cholesterol.

These are lots more benefits of spirulina. If you think this is too good to be true, google it! This can change your life!

There are many different ways you can consume spirulina. Most people find it delicious, but if you find it bitter, don't despair!

Spirulina normally comes 2 forms. Tablets and powder. Tablets are convenient and can be consumed at anytime. Do not use anything other than water when you drink the tablets because it can destroy spirulina's nutrients and enzymes. It is therefore also important to refrain from these drinks after you swallowed the tablets. Drink more water to get the most out of your investment.

What I like more though, is the powder form. I personally find spirulina delicious. It may look yucky at first but it is actually absolutely awesome. What I like to do is make a spirulina smoothie. Basically what I do is blend the powder spirulina with other vegetable juice. I also like to add spirulina powder to my food to give it a boost. There's no need to add a large amount and change the taste. Add some and you can hardly notice it's there. Depending on the amount of powder and the amount of food you have, it will not even change color.

I also often use spirulina powder to make masks. Remember the smoothie I like to make using Spirulina powder? I just take some of those and apply it to my face and leave it for 10-20mins. Very invigorating! You can basically add spirulina to anything you want! Check out "Spirulina, Nature's Superfood" by H. Morgan & K. Moorhead for more great ways to incorporate spirulina into your life! Also, check out my lens on "Make Your Own Beauty Products"!

1. Spirulina with fruit juice

You probably want to begin with a teaspoonful of Spirulina powder mixed with fruit juice in a blender or with an electric mixer. Apple, pineapple or papaya works the best. You canincrease the amount of Spirulina powder to suit your taste and your personal health program.

2. Spirulina smoothie

Half a cup of yoghurt, one cup soy milk or cup of fruit juice (apple, orange or pineapple). One or more of the following: 1 papaya, 1 peach, 1 mango, half a cup of boysenberries or raspberries, 1 teaspoon Spirulina powder.Blend all ingredients.

3. Another Spirulina smoothie

1 ripe papaya, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon Spirulina powder, juice of 1 lime. Blend all ingredients.

4. Spirulina Salsa

Simply add a teaspoon of Spirulina powder to a bowl of salsa. The Spirulina enhances the taste and gives the salsa an interesting colour and a nice texture.

5.Guacamole

2 avocados, Cayenne pepper, Fresh lime juice to taste, 2 medium tomatoes, 2 cloves crushed garlic, salt to taste, 1 teaspoon Spirulina, 2 tablespoons salsa (optional), 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion (optional). Mash avocados. Add all other ingredients and blend well. Spirulina gives guacamole a beautiful colour.

6. Avocado dip

1 avocado, Paprika to taste, 1 tablespoon sour cream, Tamari or soy sauce to taste, 1 teaspoon Spirulina. Mash all ingredients together.

7. Cream dip

4 tablespoons sour cream or non- fat yoghurt, juice of 1 lemon, 3 teaspoons tamari or soy sauce, 1 teaspoon Spirulina. Mix all ingredients together.

8. Another cream dip

4 tablespoons sour cream or non- fat yoghurt, 1/2 teaspoon garam marsala and 1/4 teaspoon cumin or 3/4 teaspoon curry powder. Small glove of garlic, 3 teaspoons tamari or soy sauce 1 teaspoon spirulina. Mix all ingredients together.

9. Tofu salad
8 ounces firm tofu, 1 bell pepper (green or red), 2 medium tomatoes, 1 medium 8 ounces firm tofu, 1 bell pepper (green or red), 2 medium tomatoes, 1 medium 8 ounces firm tofu, 1 bell pepper, 2 medium tomatoes, 1 medium pepper sauce or cayenne pepper (to taste), 1 heaped teaspoon Spirulina. Mix all ingredients together. Almost any combination of raw vegetables can be put into a tofu salad.

10. Pesto (pasta sauce)
1 packed cup fresh basil leaves, 3 - 5 tablespoons virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, 3 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons Spirulina, Pinch of salt, 2 ounces pine parmesan cheese, 3 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons Spirulina, Pinch of salt, 2 ounces pine